Glossary of drip irrigation
Flow: 1) The amount of water available for the drip system expressed in gallons per hour (GPH) or gallons per minute (GPM). Flow is a determining factor in how many plants (or how large an area) can be watered at one time.
2) The total amount of water moving through the system as it exits emission devices.
Pressure: Measured in pounds per square inch, or PSI, the pressure is the force pushing the flow of water. Your pressure can be determined by using a pressure gauge.
Constant Pressure: In a drip irrigation system, the condition that occurs when the spigot or valve is left open, leaving any downstream devices-timers, filters, regulators, tubing, fittings, and emitters-under constant pressure.
Dynamic Pressure: The fluctuating pressure that occurs within a drip irrigation system when valves are opened and closed and emitters turned on and off.
Water Source: Where the water originates. This can be a municipal system, a well, a pond, spring, or stream.
Filter: A device used to remove particles from the water that might otherwise clog your emitters. Many water sources, especially municipal systems, are relatively free of debris. However, we still recommend filtration to ensure consistent, trouble-free operation of your system.
Zoning: The division of a drip irrigation system into areas that require similar watering rates or that would exceed the available flow of the system if watered together.
Mainline: Polyethylene tubing used to carry water from your water source to and throughout your drip system.
Branch Line: Polyethylene tubing that attaches to the mainline to bring water to an individual plant or to a zone. Branch tubing is generally ¼” or ½” tubing.
Pressure Compensating: (PC) Emitters distribute water equally throughout the whole system regardless of row length (within limits) and elevation changes. PC products are available in drippers, sprayers, or sprinklers
